As the air grows colder and pumpkins line the doorsteps, Olivia Millin has officially delivered this year’s must-play Halloween anthem. Her latest single, “Soul for the Taking,” blends theatrical flair, spooky pop melodies, and a dash of cinematic mischief, a combination that has quickly earned her a spot on the charts alongside major names like The Jonas Brothers and Morgan Wallen.
Inspired by the Spirit of “Thriller”
Olivia Millin says the spark for “Soul for the Taking” came straight from one of the most iconic Halloween moments in music history. “Michael Jackson’s Thriller inspired me to be honest,” she shares. “I fully intended the song to have a movie-based vibe so I could capture the adventurous spirit of Halloween.”
Her background in musical theatre shines through as the song feels like it could soundtrack a Halloween movie or fill a dance floor at any costume party. “This track gave me a chance to appreciate the theatrics of the season,” she says. “It also opens the door for a potential music video or even film licensing one day.”
Balancing Pop and Playful Fear
Halloween-themed songs are rare in pop music, but that didn’t stop Millin from taking a creative risk. For her, it was all about merging fun with a touch of fright. “Halloween is about fun and so is pop,” she explains. “By adding spooky sound effects and emotion catering to a theatrical pop genre, I thought it would be entertaining for all ages.”
That sense of joy and adventure pulses through every beat. From playful screams to ghostly theremin melodies, “Soul for the Taking” turns fright night into a full-blown pop party.
A Studio Full of Laughs and Experiments
Behind the scenes, the recording process was just as spirited as the final product. “My recording engineer Jim Morris let out a few laughs during the dry run,” Millin recalls. “When I did the evil laugh at the end, everyone in the studio was surprised at how easily I could pull it off.”
With producers Sweet Dreamz and Kevin Charge, Millin dove into layers of sound design and emotion, crafting a track that feels both cinematic and catchy. “The production really helped guide my emotional delivery and the overall vibe,” she adds.
Looking Ahead
So, will Olivia Millin continue exploring seasonal or concept-driven music in the future? She’s leaving the door open. “I kind of write whatever I feel at the moment,” she says. “A lot of my songs are concept-driven, but they always come from real life. For me, it’s all about connecting with the audience regardless of the season.”
With “Soul for the Taking,” Millin has captured the thrill of Halloween while proving that pop can still have a playful, theatrical edge. Whether you’re dancing in costume or watching horror flicks with friends, her song is the perfect soundtrack for spooky season and a clear sign that Olivia Millin’s star is on the rise.
Listen to “Soul for the Taking”: